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Server Tips

LtStaffel
By LtStaffel
in Networking
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Hey all!

I am probably going to build a home server for these reasons:

  • Home Theater (Connect it to our TV)
  • File Sharing (Back up our computers to this one, and access files on other computers through this one)
  • Game Servers (Running dedicated servers for a couple games I play)

I am new to all this server stuff (except for the game parts, I know what I'm doing with those) and would like everyone's honest opinions as long as you keep it civil.  I'd like to know things like:

  • What OS should I run?
  • What are the most efficient ways to do file sharing on the same network?
  • What kind of hardware should I be sure to get?
  • Are their bugs/stuff I do during the setup I should be aware of so I don't mess it up?
  • What kind of security should I have, if any?

And any other tips you might have.  Build lists are ok as well.

 

Thanks in advance!

-LtStaffel

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windows

ETHERNET

depending on the board, sound card for optical audio maybe a gpu if you plan on playing games on it

MSE, and Malwarebytes

12gbs of ram or however much you need to run everything

LOTS OF Storage

 

 

 

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windows

ETHERNET

depending on the board, sound card for optical audio maybe a gpu if you plan on playing games on it

MSE, and Malwarebytes

12gbs of ram or however much you need to run everything

LOTS OF Storage

Why Windows?

I'm not playing any games on it, so I won't need that.

Join the Appleitionist cause! See spoiler below for answers to common questions that shouldn't be common!

Spoiler

Q: Do I have a virus?!
A: If you didn't click a sketchy email, haven't left your computer physically open to attack, haven't downloaded anything sketchy/free, know that your software hasn't been exploited in a new hack, then the answer is: probably not.

 

Q: What email/VPN should I use?
A: Proton mail and VPN are the best for email and VPNs respectively. (They're free in a good way)

 

Q: How can I stay anonymous on the (deep/dark) webzz???....

A: By learning how to de-anonymize everyone else; if you can do that, then you know what to do for yourself.

 

Q: What Linux distro is best for x y z?

A: Lubuntu for things with little processing power, Ubuntu for normal PCs, and if you need to do anything else then it's best if you do the research yourself.

 

Q: Why is my Linux giving me x y z error?

A: Have you not googled it? Are you sure StackOverflow doesn't have an answer? Does the error tell you what's wrong? If the answer is no to all of those, message me.

 

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Why Windows?

I'm not playing any games on it, so I won't need that.

ease of use/compatibility 

 

 

 

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If your running it as a HTPC and a server, then i would recommend checking out openELEC, it has a decent interface for HTPC use, with the ability to install apps for Netflix, Hulu etc. It sets itself up as a Samba share on the network, so you can easily access its storage over the network.

 

What gameservers are you looking to run? if there is a linux version of the server software you should be good to go, you'll just need to SSH into the machine and do setup via the command line, which isn't too difficult, just some basic linux commands.

 

As for hardware, the only recommendation i can make is to get a decent Network card, and dont even consider wifi. it will be horribly slow.

 

Some links to help you out

 

http://openelec.tv/: openELEC project page

http://wiki.openelec.tv/index.php/Sharing_files_from_OpenELEC: File sharing with openELEC

http://openelec.tv/forum/133-installation/39333-command-line-access: How to access via SSH.

 

Hope this helps.

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If your running it as a HTPC and a server, then i would recommend checking out openELEC, it has a decent interface for HTPC use, with the ability to install apps for Netflix, Hulu etc. It sets itself up as a Samba share on the network, so you can easily access its storage over the network.

 

What gameservers are you looking to run? if there is a linux version of the server software you should be good to go, you'll just need to SSH into the machine and do setup via the command line, which isn't too difficult, just some basic linux commands.

 

As for hardware, the only recommendation i can make is to get a decent Network card, and dont even consider wifi. it will be horribly slow.

 

Some links to help you out

 

http://openelec.tv/: openELEC project page

http://wiki.openelec.tv/index.php/Sharing_files_from_OpenELEC: File sharing with openELEC

http://openelec.tv/forum/133-installation/39333-command-line-access: How to access via SSH.

 

Hope this helps.

It does, thanks.  The games I was imagining were Minecraft, Rise of Flight, and IL-2 BoS.  Minecraft can get a .jar, and couldn't I use wine to run .exes?

Join the Appleitionist cause! See spoiler below for answers to common questions that shouldn't be common!

Spoiler

Q: Do I have a virus?!
A: If you didn't click a sketchy email, haven't left your computer physically open to attack, haven't downloaded anything sketchy/free, know that your software hasn't been exploited in a new hack, then the answer is: probably not.

 

Q: What email/VPN should I use?
A: Proton mail and VPN are the best for email and VPNs respectively. (They're free in a good way)

 

Q: How can I stay anonymous on the (deep/dark) webzz???....

A: By learning how to de-anonymize everyone else; if you can do that, then you know what to do for yourself.

 

Q: What Linux distro is best for x y z?

A: Lubuntu for things with little processing power, Ubuntu for normal PCs, and if you need to do anything else then it's best if you do the research yourself.

 

Q: Why is my Linux giving me x y z error?

A: Have you not googled it? Are you sure StackOverflow doesn't have an answer? Does the error tell you what's wrong? If the answer is no to all of those, message me.

 

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Posted

Hey all!

I am probably going to build a home server for these reasons:

  • Home Theater (Connect it to our TV)
  • File Sharing (Back up our computers to this one, and access files on other computers through this one)
  • Game Servers (Running dedicated servers for a couple games I play)

I am new to all this server stuff (except for the game parts, I know what I'm doing with those) and would like everyone's honest opinions as long as you keep it civil.  I'd like to know things like:

  • What OS should I run?
  • What are the most efficient ways to do file sharing on the same network?
  • What kind of hardware should I be sure to get?
  • Are their bugs/stuff I do during the setup I should be aware of so I don't mess it up?
  • What kind of security should I have, if any?

And any other tips you might have.  Build lists are ok as well.

(I know I put this in general discussions, but I believe that this includes programming, OSes, hardware, and everything)

 

Thanks in advance!

-LtStaffel

 

 

do NOT use windows, use linux, specifically Centos 7. You want a server not a workstation. Try making a file share efficient on windows lmao...

Get Centos 7 and install Webmin, to acess Webmin just put in serverip:10000, then install samba file sharing in webmin and set up your file share.

Minecraft server/minecraft can be opened in linux with the "java -jar /path/to/.jarfile"

As for hardware if you want a Minecraft server go with an i3 or better with a cheap motherboard and small SSD and 4-8GB of ram, use btrfs for the TB drive file system.

For file storage go with TB drives and mount them under a folder on the SSD so you get speed on the server and also get mass storage.

This is all from personal experience with my home servers.

Centos 7 does not need security.

If you do like the sound of this i will leave more info.

Laptop: Thinkpad W520 i7 2720QM 24GB RAM 1920x1080 2x SSDs Main Rig: 4790k 12GB Hyperx Beast Zotac 980ti AMP! Fractal Define S (window) RM850 Noctua NH-D15 EVGA Z97 FTW with 3 1080P 144hz monitors from Asus Secondary: i5 6600K, R9 390 STRIX, 16GB DDR4, Acer Predator 144Hz 1440P

As Centos 7 SU once said: With great power comes great responsibility.

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do NOT use windows, use linux, specifically Centos 7. You want a server not a workstation. Try making a file share efficient on windows lmao...

it is called Windows Server, it isn't a workstation.

 

on another note, i am getting pretty sick of people just going out and saying windows is a terrible server environment, it isn't. It is actually very very good. is linux better? Yes, but in the grand scheme of things it makes 0 difference (and there is actually more benefits for a SME using windows).

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Oh and windows server only costs like 500$ and either way linux is better so...

Laptop: Thinkpad W520 i7 2720QM 24GB RAM 1920x1080 2x SSDs Main Rig: 4790k 12GB Hyperx Beast Zotac 980ti AMP! Fractal Define S (window) RM850 Noctua NH-D15 EVGA Z97 FTW with 3 1080P 144hz monitors from Asus Secondary: i5 6600K, R9 390 STRIX, 16GB DDR4, Acer Predator 144Hz 1440P

As Centos 7 SU once said: With great power comes great responsibility.

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do NOT use windows, use linux, specifically Centos 7. You want a server not a workstation. Try making a file share efficient on windows lmao...

Get Centos 7 and install Webmin, to acess Webmin just put in serverip:10000, then install samba file sharing in webmin and set up your file share.

Minecraft server/minecraft can be opened in linux with the "java -jar /path/to/.jarfile"

As for hardware if you want a Minecraft server go with an i3 or better with a cheap motherboard and small SSD and 4-8GB of ram, use btrfs for the TB drive file system.

For file storage go with TB drives and mount them under a folder on the SSD so you get speed on the server and also get mass storage.

This is all from personal experience with my home servers.

Centos 7 does not need security.

If you do like the sound of this i will leave more info.

I do like how this sounds, and would appreciate more info.

Join the Appleitionist cause! See spoiler below for answers to common questions that shouldn't be common!

Spoiler

Q: Do I have a virus?!
A: If you didn't click a sketchy email, haven't left your computer physically open to attack, haven't downloaded anything sketchy/free, know that your software hasn't been exploited in a new hack, then the answer is: probably not.

 

Q: What email/VPN should I use?
A: Proton mail and VPN are the best for email and VPNs respectively. (They're free in a good way)

 

Q: How can I stay anonymous on the (deep/dark) webzz???....

A: By learning how to de-anonymize everyone else; if you can do that, then you know what to do for yourself.

 

Q: What Linux distro is best for x y z?

A: Lubuntu for things with little processing power, Ubuntu for normal PCs, and if you need to do anything else then it's best if you do the research yourself.

 

Q: Why is my Linux giving me x y z error?

A: Have you not googled it? Are you sure StackOverflow doesn't have an answer? Does the error tell you what's wrong? If the answer is no to all of those, message me.

 

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it is called Windows Server, it isn't a workstation.

 

on another note, i am getting pretty sick of people just going out and saying windows is a terrible server environment, it isn't. It is actually very very good. is linux better? Yes, but in the grand scheme of things it makes 0 difference (and there is actually more benefits for a SME using windows).

T'were I to use Windows, would you have any suggestions?

Join the Appleitionist cause! See spoiler below for answers to common questions that shouldn't be common!

Spoiler

Q: Do I have a virus?!
A: If you didn't click a sketchy email, haven't left your computer physically open to attack, haven't downloaded anything sketchy/free, know that your software hasn't been exploited in a new hack, then the answer is: probably not.

 

Q: What email/VPN should I use?
A: Proton mail and VPN are the best for email and VPNs respectively. (They're free in a good way)

 

Q: How can I stay anonymous on the (deep/dark) webzz???....

A: By learning how to de-anonymize everyone else; if you can do that, then you know what to do for yourself.

 

Q: What Linux distro is best for x y z?

A: Lubuntu for things with little processing power, Ubuntu for normal PCs, and if you need to do anything else then it's best if you do the research yourself.

 

Q: Why is my Linux giving me x y z error?

A: Have you not googled it? Are you sure StackOverflow doesn't have an answer? Does the error tell you what's wrong? If the answer is no to all of those, message me.

 

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T'were I to use Windows, would you have any suggestions?

I dont like using windows for server environments and it also is not free.

Centos 7 is an easy to use server environment, install it and then install webmin and samba. When you format any other drives in the server they will automatifaly mount in a certain directory so if you set your file share to that directory you are good to go.

Linux has permission levels so i suggest you make a user in samba matching a user on the linux server ie make both "ryan" with the same password.

Now lets say the 1TB drive is mounted in /var/hello/test

Open a terminal and type in:

Chown ryan /var

Chown ryan /var/hello

Chown ryan /var/hello/test

You are now ready to conmect to your file share on ur windows pc with username and password.

Webmin is white easy to use and if you have problems just message me.

Laptop: Thinkpad W520 i7 2720QM 24GB RAM 1920x1080 2x SSDs Main Rig: 4790k 12GB Hyperx Beast Zotac 980ti AMP! Fractal Define S (window) RM850 Noctua NH-D15 EVGA Z97 FTW with 3 1080P 144hz monitors from Asus Secondary: i5 6600K, R9 390 STRIX, 16GB DDR4, Acer Predator 144Hz 1440P

As Centos 7 SU once said: With great power comes great responsibility.

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I dont like using windows for server environments and it also is not free.

Centos 7 is an easy to use server environment, install it and then install webmin and samba. When you format any other drives in the server they will automatifaly mount in a certain directory so if you set your file share to that directory you are good to go.

Linux has permission levels so i suggest you make a user in samba matching a user on the linux server ie make both "ryan" with the same password.

Now lets say the 1TB drive is mounted in /var/hello/test

Open a terminal and type in:

Chown ryan /var

Chown ryan /var/hello

Chown ryan /var/hello/test

You are now ready to conmect to your file share on ur windows pc with username and password.

Webmin is white easy to use and if you have problems just message me.

Ok, thanks!  I do have a Windows 7 disk here, so buying it isn't a problem.

Join the Appleitionist cause! See spoiler below for answers to common questions that shouldn't be common!

Spoiler

Q: Do I have a virus?!
A: If you didn't click a sketchy email, haven't left your computer physically open to attack, haven't downloaded anything sketchy/free, know that your software hasn't been exploited in a new hack, then the answer is: probably not.

 

Q: What email/VPN should I use?
A: Proton mail and VPN are the best for email and VPNs respectively. (They're free in a good way)

 

Q: How can I stay anonymous on the (deep/dark) webzz???....

A: By learning how to de-anonymize everyone else; if you can do that, then you know what to do for yourself.

 

Q: What Linux distro is best for x y z?

A: Lubuntu for things with little processing power, Ubuntu for normal PCs, and if you need to do anything else then it's best if you do the research yourself.

 

Q: Why is my Linux giving me x y z error?

A: Have you not googled it? Are you sure StackOverflow doesn't have an answer? Does the error tell you what's wrong? If the answer is no to all of those, message me.

 

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Ok, thanks! I do have a Windows 7 disk here, so buying it isn't a problem.

Sorry i was revering to windows server

Laptop: Thinkpad W520 i7 2720QM 24GB RAM 1920x1080 2x SSDs Main Rig: 4790k 12GB Hyperx Beast Zotac 980ti AMP! Fractal Define S (window) RM850 Noctua NH-D15 EVGA Z97 FTW with 3 1080P 144hz monitors from Asus Secondary: i5 6600K, R9 390 STRIX, 16GB DDR4, Acer Predator 144Hz 1440P

As Centos 7 SU once said: With great power comes great responsibility.

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